Safe?

Chapter 18

Steven was on his usual bench near the skate park when I got there. As soon as he saw my face, he stood up and opened his arms.

I didn’t think, I just went crashing against his chest and he wrapped me up in his arms as tightly as he could.

“Jaymie?” He whispered. My nod was enough and he tightened his hold on me.

“I need to fucking see her.” I heard Giant shout.

“You’ve lost that right about ten minutes ago, Jaymie.” Jax’s voice was uncharacteristically cold.

“What the fuck happened, Lily?” Steven whispered.

“I swear I did my best to prevent them from fighting but…” I sighed. “I don’t know…”

Somebody hugged me from behind and I recognized Luke’s yummy perfume. I felt a bit better knowing he was there.

He kept showering the top of my head with tiny kisses.

“I’m sorry, Lil…” He whispered. “So fucking sorry…”

“None of it is your fault…” I sighed. “But I want you to promise me one thing…”

“Tell me.”

“I want you to work it out with Giant.” I stated. “I want you to be the best friend he needs.” I added. “He’s going to play tonight and he’s going to do so knowing his two best friends may be a bit mad at him but still love him…”

“Lil…”

“No, Luke.” I pulled away from Steven and turned around to face him. “If it had been any other girl, you would have laughed it off…” I said.

“But YOU are not any other girl!” He snapped.

“I am, though. One phone call to your uncle and I’m gone… Lily Lawrenson doesn’t exist, Luke.”

“Don’t Lil!” He shouted. “Don’t push me away!” He cupped my cheeks gently and wiped some of the tears.

“You’ve known Jayme Nicholls for years, Luke. I came to your house less than three months ago…” I said coldly. “That’s all that should matter to you and Jax…” I added. “Deep down, you know I’m right.”

“Ok.” I was taken aback by the fierce intensity I suddenly saw in his eyes. “I promise to work it out with Jay… But you’re going to promise me something in return.”

I frowned.

“What?”

“You’re not leaving.” These four words took away the last of my pain, and replaced it with a cozy warmth I hadn’t felt for ages.

I smiled at him, then at Steven, who still had his arm around my shoulder and repeated.

“I’m not leaving.”

“Good.” He muttered before engulfing me in a spinning hug.

When he finally put me back on my feet, he brushed a final kiss on my forehead.

“I know these are special circumstances, but you’d better cut the hugs and the kisses if you don’t want her to get the wrong idea…” I muttered.

“Her?” His eyebrows were furrowed.

“That mysterious girl who’s keeping you awake at night…” I said softly.

He never told me what was wrong when he came to see me at night, but I had soon gathered that it was a girl.

He was quick to hide his initial surprise.